Inside the sect master’s grand hall, Chen Yuanshan’s voice rang out: “Sanctum Martial Academy exists to nurture Martial Saints for the Human Race. The dean is the High Heaven Alliance Master, and the five vice-deans are the leaders of Heavenly Dragon Sect, Heavenly Tiger Sect, and Heavenly Elephant Sect, as well as the Venerable Dragon Sword and the Melody Empress.”
The Alliance Master’s cultivation has already reached the peak of Martial Saint, making him the second strongest among all humans. The three sect leaders of Heavenly Dragon, Heavenly Tiger, and Heavenly Elephant are all late-stage Martial Saints. The Venerable Dragon Sword is also late-stage, while the Melody Empress is slightly weaker, at mid-stage Martial Saint.
Hearing Chen Yuanshan’s explanation, Ian Song couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart. Just one academy managed to gather six Martial Saints—Sanctum Martial Academy’s power was truly terrifying.
Chen Yuanshan continued, “Sanctum Martial Academy is located on Holy Spirit Island. Although it’s just an island, its area is vast—many times larger than the three-province territory our Pristine Way Sect controls. The island is surrounded by ocean, and the academy has set up massive spirit-gathering formations to continuously draw spiritual energy from the sea, providing endless resources for the students to cultivate.”
That’s why slots for Sanctum Martial Academy are incredibly precious. Across our entire Pristine Way Sect, we only get fifteen admission quotas.”
Ian Song’s heart stirred: “So this Grand Sect Tournament was actually to decide the academy quotas?”
Chen Yuanshan nodded. “You catch on quick. The Outer Sect, Inner Sect, and Elite Disciples each get three spots, while Core Disciples get six. But just because you’ve won a quota doesn’t mean you’re officially admitted to Sanctum Martial Academy!”
Hearing this, Ian Song couldn’t help but look at Chen Yuanshan in confusion.
Chen Yuanshan continued, “There are teleportation arrays on the continent that go straight to Holy Spirit Island, but new students aren’t allowed to use them. Instead, all provisional students have to gather in Seacoast Province, then travel by ship together to the island.”
The sea is nothing like the land—full of unknown dangers. Plus, there are countless giant demonic beasts out there. For you students, if even half of you make it to the island safely, that’s already considered pretty good!”
“Alright, that’s all for now. Here’s a gift for you from me. You may leave.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Yuanshan waved his hand, and a thin piece of armor floated down in front of Ian.
Ian Song reached out and grabbed the armor. He found it extremely soft, with a faint coolness to it.
Chen Yuanshan explained, “This is made from the silk of a fifth-grade demonic beast, the Ice-Jade King Silkworm. With this armor, you can block at least ninety percent of a Grandmaster-level strike.”
“Thank you, Sect Master!”
After thanking him, Ian Song slowly withdrew from the grand hall.
The next morning, Ian Song arrived early at the forbidden grounds’ small world.
“Greetings, Master.”
Ian Song bowed deeply to Darren Fang Easton, his expression showing utmost respect.
Darren Fang Easton nodded and tossed Ian a wooden sword. “Your task for today is simple: one hundred thousand slashes, one hundred thousand lifts, and one hundred thousand thrusts against empty air. Remember, you can’t use true qi, and you can’t pause even for a second.”